Chapter 74
Fiona stepped closer, frowning. “Where is Lionel going?”
Anna burst into tears, clinging to Fiona. “Mom, does Lionel even love me? Is he abandoning me too?”
“How could that be, sweetie? Isn’t Lionel obsessed with you?”
“No!” Anna wailed, gripping Fiona’s arm. “He ran off to find Stella.”
Fiona’s face darkened. “Why would he seek out Stella?”
“The second Lionel heard Stella had married, he raced over. He never loved me. It’s always been Stella.”
“Don’t be silly, honey! How could that be? When Stella met Lionel, she was just a kid. Lionel always treated her like a sister. He’s likely just concerned she’s marrying a bad guy. He’ll come back, and he still loves you.”
Anna’s sobs subsided, though doubt lingered in her eyes. “Really?”
“Sweetheart, you’re beautiful, a Quentiham University graduate. You’re the only match for Lionel. Stella could never compete, and Lionel knows it.”
Anna considered this. True–even if the police proved Stella’s innocence, society still saw her as “damaged goods.” How could Lionel want someone like her?
Stella followed Jordan into his villa. The interiors felt strangely familiar. She turned to him, eyes narrowing, “This decor… It’s the exact style I once described to you, isn’t it?”
Jordan handed her bags to a maid, stepping closer. “Exactly as you’d imagined.”
Stella stared in disbelief. “You like my design concept?”
“Yeah. It’s warm. I love it.” His gaze swept the room–every detail mirrored Stella’s online descriptions.
Stella flashed a playful grin and teased, “I’m starting to think you’ve liked me all along.”
Jordan said, “How could—”
Before he could finish, a maid rushed in. “Mr. Quinn is here. He demands to see Mrs. Erwin.”
“Lionel?” Jordan’s voice sharpened. “The one you constantly mentioned“?” Stella could’ve sworn she saw jealousy flash in his eyes. -but perhaps it was her imagination.
“Yes, but I won’t see him. Send him away.” Stella said and turned toward her room.
The maid said urgently, “Mrs. Erwin. Mr. Quinn insists he won’t leave until you come out. He’ll wait here as long as it takes.”
Stella said coolly, “Then let him wait.” Stella remained completely unmoved.
“Want me to go talk to him for you?” Jordan asked. Stella opened her mouth to refuse, but Jordan continued, “You’ll have to face, him eventually. Settle this now, and he’ll stop haunting you.”
Chapter 74
“I’ll see him.” Resolve steeled her voice, Pivoting from the stairs, she marched toward the entrance.
Jordan caught her hand. “Let him in. I’ll be at your side.”
Stella nodded.
The maid led Lionel inside. Jordan and Stella sat on the sofa, his arm draped possessively around her. Neither rose.
Lionel remained rooted to the spot, his eyes burning into Stella.
Stella averted her gaze.
“Dr. Quinn, have a seat,” Jordan offered, tone icy.
Still
cats
Still staring at Stella, Lionel reluctantly took a seat to the side.
Jordan sank back into the cushions, exuding casual arrogance. “Dr. Quinn, is it proper to keep staring at my wife like that?”
“What hold does he have over you? Stella, let me help you,” Lionel pressed, eyes locked on her.
A humorless laugh escaped Stella. “Lionel, the irony is priceless. You and the Hayes threatened me, framed me, nearly destroyed me–and now you paint Jordan the villain?”
“Stella, I know you still blame me, but I really had no choice back then. I know I hurt you. No one regrets hurting you more than 1 do. Let me spend my life making amends.”
Stella fed on the day’s absurdity. “Make amends?” Her laugh was razor–sharp. “If you meant it, you’d have canceled your engagement to Anna the day I returned and chosen me publicly.
“You didn’t. When they forced me toward Henry, your protests were theater. And don’t try to tell me you didn’t know they were trying to marry me off to Troy. Now that I’m Jordan’s wife, you panic and speak of amends? Lionel, where’s your dignity?”
“You can’t marry him!” Lionel urged, desperation fraying his words..
Stella leaned into Jordan. “What’s wrong with him? He’s the only one who ever helped me without strings.
“When Henry took me to Crescent Villa, Jordan saved me. You knew what Henry was–yet you did nothing.”
Stella glared at Lionel. “And when Grandma begged you to search the hospital’s registry for my blood type, did you even try?”
Lionel was so stunned by her words. He couldn’t utter a single sound.
After a long silence, Lionel finally lifted his head and said, “Yes, I know I’ve failed you. I’m sorry. But I just can’t stand by and watch you marry him. He won’t treat you right.”
Stella snapped, “I know what you all think he is, but he treats you and me completely differently. Lionel, I never even wanted to see you in the first place–there’s nothing left to say between us.”
Stella said coldly, “I only agreed to see you because he insisted. Now we’re done talking. Get out.”
Lionel pleaded desperately, “Stella, please, just this once–listen to me. He’s no good for you, I swear!” “That’s my business, not yours,” Stella retorted.”
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Chapter 74
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Lionel stared at Stella. Stella’s frosty distance struck Lionel. The girl who once ran to him was gone, replaced by a woman armored in thorns, striking back at the slightest touch.
Lionel knew every scar that forged her. He couldn’t let her leap into Jordan’s abyss. “Stella, just promise me you’ll divorce him right now. I’ll meet all your demands. I’ll call off my engagement with Anna and marry you.”
“Never.” Stella’s expression turned icy. “Your parents haven’t acknowledged me since my return. They’d never accept me as your
wife.
“Besides, my decision to marry Jordan wasn’t made lightly. I’ve thought it through very carefully. I told you before, didn’t? He’s a one–of–a–kind genius. I’m willing to be with him–I want to be with him.”
Lionel’s gaze remained fixed on her.
Jordan hated Lionel’s possessive stare. He drew Stella close, burying her face in his chest.
